Federal cabinet approves emergency rule in KP

The federal cabinet has approved a proposal to impose emergency rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) amid growing security concerns and rising terrorist activities in the province. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the decision followed a review of the deteriorating law and order situation and concerns over the provincial government’s role in counterterrorism efforts.

The cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday. After reviewing the security situation, the cabinet recommended that the prime minister advise President Asif Ali Zardari to exercise his constitutional powers under Articles 232 and 234 to impose an emergency in the province. The PMO confirmed that the advice had been forwarded to the President’s House.

The development comes after a meeting between President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday. The two leaders discussed the country’s political and security situation, with particular focus on KP. The province has remained at the centre of political tensions since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched its long march on October 4.

Sources said the president and prime minister had discussed the possibility of imposing an emergency or introducing governor’s rule in the province. However, the implementation of emergency measures requires the relevant constitutional approvals.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had reportedly submitted a written explanation to the prime minister outlining the grounds for emergency measures. The document highlighted the worsening security situation and argued that extraordinary steps were needed to address the challenges facing the province.

The federal government is also considering administrative changes as part of the proposed measures. These could include replacing the incumbent chief secretary and transferring other senior officials to strengthen the administration and improve coordination on security matters.

Sources have further indicated that one proposal involves imposing an emergency in 12 districts. These include eight merged tribal districts: Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Mohmand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan. Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat are also among the districts reportedly under consideration.

Another proposal involves transferring certain provincial powers to the federal government. However, the scope and implementation of these measures remain subject to the necessary constitutional and legal procedures.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government had made extensive efforts to resolve the situation but believed its options were becoming increasingly limited. Speaking informally to journalists, he questioned what alternatives remained if emergency measures were not introduced.

Meanwhile, separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate are scheduled for October 13, following an understanding reached during the recent presidential meeting. The proposed emergency measures are expected to remain a major point of political debate, particularly over provincial autonomy, constitutional authority and the handling of the security situation in KP.